How To Prep Your Skin for Summer (and Beyond)

The founding director of MxSkincare shares her valuable tips and product recommendations to combat dehydration.

Article by Hollie Wornes

MxSkicarePhotograph and product images courtesy of MxSkincare.

There’s a thick, fragrant warmth in the air, filled with the scents of blossoms and wattle. The evenings are stretching longer, and the sea is alive with an unusual number of breaching whales along the East Coast for this time of year. Yet, the truest indication that Sydney has entered spring is the blooming of the jacaranda trees, their purple petals clinging to branches for just a few short weeks before showering the streets in florals. Before we know it, the holiday season will be upon us, and summer will be in full swing.

While it can be the most joyous time of the year, it’s also often the busiest. And as the pace picks up, it’s easy for self-care to fall to the wayside. Now is the perfect time to establish self-care routines for both you and your skin, ensuring a radiant glow that lasts well into the new year. For Allison Pickering, founding director of Mx Skincare and a former makeup artist with years in the cosmetics industry, hydration is paramount.

“One of the most common misconceptions about summer skincare is that increased humidity and high temperatures can make the skin look and feel congested and oily,” Pickering tells T Australia.

“It’s important to keep skin clean but not stripping it, which can lead to dehydration and breakouts.”

One frequent pitfall is over-exfoliating, which can be tempting when trying to combat sweat. T Australia spoke with Pickering who shared some valuable tips and product recommendations to implement now to ensure your skin thrives this summer season.

MxSkincare
The founding director of MxSkincare Allison Pickering. Photograph courtesy of MxSkincare.

What are the key ingredients to look for in skincare products to protect against summer sun exposure?

Antioxidants are key! They are continually required to deactivate free radicals, protecting against damage caused by UV exposure and environmental factors. The must-have powerhouse antioxidants to protect against summer sun exposure are:

Another important consideration is skin barrier support, maintaining the skins protective barrier which can be compromised with sun exposure.  Key ingredients for skin barrier support include:

MxSkincare Serum Vitamin C+.
Serum Vitamin C+. $89.00.
Mx Skincare Moisture.
Mx Skincare Moisture. $89.00.

How can people with different skin types adjust their routines for the hotter months?

Across all skin types, adjusting to a lighter routine, increasing hydration and emphasising antioxidant and barrier function protection, whilst keeping skin clean without stripping, are crucial during hotter months.

Every skin type can benefit from following the three-step Mx Skincare Pathway to Glowing skin routine: 

How important is SPF, and what factors should consumers consider when choosing a sunscreen for summer use?

SPF is extremely important and non-negotiable along with a skincare routine containing antioxidant ingredients of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These ingredients will help to boost the protecting factors of sunscreen.  Studies show that Vitamin E and Vitamin C, when used under sunscreen, give photo-protective purposes to provide better protection than sunscreen alone. These ingredients are found in the Mx Skincare formulas  Mx Skincare Serum Vitamin C+  and Mx Skincare Moisture+.

Top Tip: Don’t forget your neck and décolletage when applying skincare and sunscreen!